Sustainability
Our commitment to a greener future
In the heart of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Wisconsin Center District’s (WCD) leadership acknowledged the importance of constructing a building with the future in mind by committing to incorporating green features throughout the Baird Center expansion. Today, Baird Center’s North Building is a model of sustainability for event and entertainment venues. By integrating cutting-edge features like an underground stormwater retention system, LowE and bird-friendly glass and a state-of-the-art food digester, Baird Center will play a significant role in helping Milwaukee become a greener community.
The Baird Center expansion achieved LEED Gold certification in early 2025. Backed by the U.S. Green Building Council, LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the world’s most widely used and well-respected green building rating system.
Sustainable features
98,130 Kilowatt-hours will be avoided — that’s the equivalent of CO2 emissions from 7,488,199 smartphones charged.
Used to protect buildings from weather and water, gray roof membrane is ideal for Milwaukee’s climate.
The expanded Baird Center features a 320,000-gallon StormTrap®, an underground storm water detention system.
The Baird Center expansion earned LEED Gold certification. Backed by the U.S. Green Building Council, LEED is the most widely used and well respected green building rating system around the world.
The ORCA mimics a natural food digestion process to digest food waste into liquid. It can divert up to 438 tons of food waste per year from the landfill.
New LED lighting was installed in both front and back of house. The lighting is equipped with occupancy sensors that engage based on people using a space and daylight levels.
90% of the steel that was used in the construction of the Baird Center expansion was made from recycled materials. This equals 6,000 total tons of steel.
The LowE and fritted glass used in the expansion increases energy efficiency and prevents bird collisions.
Low-flow plumbing fixtures have been installed throughout the convention center.
